Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Chapmanville Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine and Firearm Charges


CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chapmanville man pled guilty today to drug and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Courtney Edward Dalton, 39, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. 119 Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“When we find guns on drug dealers, we will charge them with both drug and gun crimes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We will not tolerate gun-toting drug dealers in our communities.” 

On March 13, 2018, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, police stopped Dalton as he was driving on WV Route 10 in Harts, Lincoln County, West Virginia.  Upon searching the vehicle, police found approximately 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana, scales, and a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol.  Dalton admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and that he carried the pistol in order to protect himself from being robbed of his drugs.

Dalton faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 20, 2019.   Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution.

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